Paris Hilton, 25, was arrested shortly before 12:30 a.m. Thursday after she was observed driving erratically by a Los Angeles Police officer. LAPD officers observed that Hilton exhibited symptoms of alcohol intoxication and conducted a field sobriety test, which led to the conclusion that she was driving under the influence.
Paris Hilton spokesman, Elliot Mintz, confirmed the arrest and said police detected the minimum blood-alchohol level (.08) to warrant an arrest. The legal limit for BAC (blood alcohol content) in California is 0.08 percent.
If found guilty, the mandatory minimum punishment is 36 to 60 months of probation and a $390 fine, although penalties could bring that up to about $1,300. Also, Hilton would be ordered to enter an alcohol education program and, if she refused, could be ordered to spend at least 48 hours in jail. Her car, a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, could be impounded for up to 30 days.